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Sweltering Britain is soaring towards what could be the hottest day ever, as trains are delayed to prevent tracks from buckling in the heat and reservoirs run dry.

The Met Office said Friday could be the UK's warmest July day as temperatures are expected to rise to at least 37C (98.6F), with the possibility the all-time heat record of 38.5C (101.3F) will be broken.

But thunderstorms are expected to provide slight relief from the scorching heatwave. After weeks without rain, torrential downpours are due to hit parts of Britain from Friday afternoon, with as much as 30mm (1.2in) expected to fall in just an hour.

With a chance of hail and strong winds alongside the torrential downpours, the temperature...

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